Fortaleza loses at home to Cuiabá and misses leadership chance in Brasileirão

Fortaleza faced Cuiabá at Arena Castelão, this Sunday afternoon (16), and lost at home for the first time in this edition of the Brazilian Championship. The only goal of the game was scored by striker Deyverson in the first half, after a failure by goalkeeper João Ricardo in the tricolor team’s ball output.

With this result, Fortaleza wasted the opportunity to secure a place among the top four in the competition, and now occupies the eighth position in the standings, accumulating a total of 23 points. On the other hand, Cuiabá advanced to the 13th position, with 19 points, and extended its advantage over Goiás, which is in the 17th position, to a difference of eight points.

FIRST TIME

The first half of the game got off to a busy start, with scoring opportunities for both teams. Despite Fortaleza having statistical control, with greater possession of the ball and more chances created, it was Cuiabá that benefited from a failure in the opposing defense. Deyverson almost scored for Cuiabá, while Pochettino tried to respond for Fortaleza, but goalkeeper Walter made the save. In the 18th minute, in a lack of attention by the Ceará defense, Deyverson took advantage of the opportunity and scored the only goal of the game. Fortaleza maintained possession of the ball, but failed to create clear scoring opportunities, ending the first half at a disadvantage.

_{Deyverson celebrating his goal. (Photo: reproduction/Twitter/@CuiabaEC)}

SECOND TIME

In the second half, Fortaleza returned with intensity, pressing the opponent in search of a draw, just as they did right after Deyverson’s goal in the first half. However, Cuiabá organized itself defensively and managed to resist the advances of Leão do Pici. Fortaleza maintained control of ball possession and exchanged passes in midfield, trying to find an opportunity to even the score, but failed to finish. In turn, Cuiabá closed in on the marking and hindered the offensive actions of Fortaleza. From the 25th minute, Cuiabá retreated and allowed Fortaleza to dominate the game and create pressure on the goal defended by Walter. Even with the entry of Pikachu and Calebe, Fortaleza was unable to convert the opportunities created, hitting the post on a few occasions. Walter, Cuiabá’s goalkeeper, made good saves and ensured his team’s victory.

_{Cuiabá team after the game. (Photo: reproduction/Twitter/@CuiabaEC)}

The teams have already faced each other on 17 occasions, with the first confrontation in 2012, in the C Series. Cuiabá had only won one victory in Castelão, in the first round of the 2022 Brasileirão. on seven occasions, Cuiabá was victorious in four games and there were six draws.

In the next round, Fortaleza will face Palmeiras at Estádio Allianz Parque, on Saturday (22), at 4 pm (Brasília time). Meanwhile, Cuiabá will host São Paulo at the Pantanal Arena, on the same day, at 6:30 pm.

Featured Photo: Deyverson scored the only goal of the match. Playback/Twitter/@CuiabaEC